Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-36/
Guest: Reese Ormand
Company: Techvera
Based just outside of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Techvera was actually started by Reese’s dad as a break/fix consumer repair shop. Getting involved in the business in his teens, Reese went off to college and came back to take over the business and transition to MSP instead of break/fix. They now offer a standard stack to their customers. Reese offers some great tips and insights into their transition from break/fix to MSP.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-35/
Guest: Scott Sanders
Company: Affordable Technology Solutions, LLC
Community: IT Business Owners Group
Scott runs an MSP and break-fix company in Columbia, SC. He started out as residential break/fix and that lead to gaining some commercial clients and MSP. While he’s loyal to those who have been loyal to him he’s not accepting any new residential customers. You may also know Scott from the group he managed, IT Business Owners Group or ITBOG. ITBOG started out on LinkedIn and has now mostly moved to the popular Facebook group by the same name.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-34/
Guest: Rick Porter
Company: Cinch I.T.
Rick has been an entrepreneur all his life, starting a DJ business when he was just 16. He found motivation in the US military and then worked for a technology company for a few years before founding Cinch I.T. in 2004. Cinch started off as break/fix but transitioned to MSP soon after. Cinch has been growing ever since and has won numerous awards. Rick is now taking that success and looking to grow by offering franchise opportunities across the country.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-33/
Guest: Bob Coppedge
Company: Simplex-IT
My interview with Bob Coppedge of Simplex-IT went a little longer than normal, mostly because we were having a great conversation and Bob is a great guy to interview. While Bob is focusing on the business and not “in the business” he has built a successful MSP that has been around for about 11 years. Simplex skipped the break-fix phase and jumped directly into MSP work from the start. Now with over 13 employees, Simplex is still growing. Bob has written a book, “A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology”, and is working on another one due out later this year that is written specifically for MSPs. Bob’s second book with detail how Simplex has had a lot of success in co-managed IT, basically helping to augment an existing IT staff with MSP services. If you want to connect with Bob, hit him up on LinkedIn or drop him an email at bob@simplex-it.com.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-32/
Guest: Jeff Sagraves
Company: BlueLine
Jeff is the president of Blueline and based in Charlotte, NC. They consider themselves a technology solutions provider which includes managed services but also a broader set of services. One of their differentiators from other MSPs is that about half of their organization is focused on Apple support, including hiring former Apple Geniuses. Part of their job is to make Macs work in a Windows environment which isn’t always easy. Blueline does focus a lot on both public and charter schools where Apple products are more prevalent. Jeff didn’t have a technical background but came into services after working for some of the big consulting companies. Jeff focuses on working on the business instead of working in the business and has set up a lot of repeatable methodologies that work well for Blueline and their 20% year over year growth.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-31/
Guest: Matthew Opyd
Company: Proven IT
Matthew Opyd got started in break/fix on his own when he was 16 years old and then went to work for an MSP when he was 19. Now several years later, he’s the service manager overseeing over 30 techs and the project team. Proven started out in 2002 selling copiers as Proven Business Systems and moved into offering MSP services about 3 years ago. Proven IT is based in the Chicago area with several offices. They still offer copier and business services as well as MSP. They server multiple verticals rather than specializing in just one.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-30/
Guest: Omer Choudhary
Company: IQ Interactive
IQ Interactive provides solutions for digital signage and point-of-sale. Rather than managing a customer’s IT infrastructure, they manage digital signs (equipment) and they also have a content management system that they’ve developed. Omer started off in IT pretty young and worked for a few companies before starting IQ Interactive. They also partner with other “traditional” MSPs who provide the IT stack while IQ Interactive handles the digital signage.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-29/
Guest: Bart Rogacewicz
Company: BestRX
BestRX is an MSP/Software company who supports independent pharmacies across the US. Typically when we think of a pharmacy we think of the big ones like CVS and Walmart but there’s actually a number of independent pharmacies all over the US. These independent pharmacies need IT and software just like any other small business and BestRX has software and support to help them meet their needs

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-28/
Tim has been a MSP Pioneer since the 90’s. After leaving a value added reseller in 1991 Tim started his own company because he saw the future in network services. In 1996 Tim and his partner realized that they need to provide their services for a fixed fee...hence pioneering the manager services model. They even had to write their first RMM tool themselves. Tim sold that company and founded Alpha NetSolutions in 2002 and has been going strong ever since. Now they focus on small businesses in New England, mostly manufacturing, custom home builders and dentists.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-27/
John Watkins, who is an engineer by heart, started right out of high school in IT and later teamed up with a local break-fix shop that had multiple locations in the Tampa Bay area. After about 3 years they transition to full MSP and have been growing steadily ever since. As John says , “You’ll never learn more than working for an MSP”.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-26/
Krunal is in the UK and he and his company support the hospitality industry (hotels, coffee shops, etc).
They’ve been in business since 2009 after Krunal saw some opportunities to consolidate IT services for hotels and retail outlets and provide a one stop shop. Since many hotels are owned by a franchisee Krunal and his team have carved out a great niche for their company. They’re usually involved from design through build and outfitting.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-25/
Doug is the found and CEO of Brightworks Group. Brightworks has been in business for 7 years and they consider themselves at technology success providers. While similar to a MSP, Brightworks Group works with a unique set of customers focused in the high end financial and private equity services. With offices in Chicago and Indianapolis they have a largely mobile workforce to serve their clients (some of which have offices overseas).

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-24/
Guest: Daniel De Steno
Company: Nova Computer Solutions
Daniel started his MSP practice in 2000 after his employer wanted him to move to Korea for 2 years without his family. Since his wife worked at a dental practice he started looking into it and made the decision that he’d give it a try. 18 years later and his business is going strong. He’s even created a dental office design center where dentists can get an idea of what technology solutions they want for their practice.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-23/
Guest: Michael Drobnis
Company: OptfinITy
This week’s guest is Michael Drobnis from OptfinITy. Michael has been in business for 17 years. He started with basic break/fix doing a lot of the technical work but then moved to managed services where Michael took a more active role in managing the business. OptfinITy now has 14 employees and they focus a lot on associations. They also encourage their employees to be a member of a chamber of commerce.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-22/
Guest: Robert Merva
Company: Avrem Technologies
Starting at a young age, Robert started getting technical certifications. Before he graduated high school he was already doing a lot of IT work for the school district. This turned into a job with the school district after graduation but it wasn’t long before Robert decided he could make a business (and a living) out of helping people with their IT needs. Robert believes it’s very important to have your processes defined early and with long-term goals in mind. Robert really does love what he does for a living and can’t imagine doing anything else...it’s always great when you find your passion.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-21/
Guest: Joe Pannone
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joepannone/
Twitter: @JoePannone
Company: Forza Technology Solutions
Joe started Forza soon after college and over the past 20+ years he’s grown it into a successful MSP business. As Joe and his partners developed their business they also found work on the application development side of things. As they were growing, they used this expertise to develop dashboards for both Connectwise Manage and Kaseya. They now offer these dashboards for free to any MSP. Joe also discusses how they’ve succeeded and some great tips and trick for attracting new customers.

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.mspvoice.com/msp-voice-episode-20/
Guest: Florian Militaru
Company: PRO
This week I talk to Florian Militaru who owns PRO in the Chicago area. Florian came to the US from Romania and started his business in 2003. PRO focuses on residential, break-fix and even some managed services. To run his business, Florian started working with an open source CRM solution, suitecrm.com/, and has developed modules that connect to multiple systems and is now his PSA. While not for everyone, developing your own solutions based on open source can save you a lot of money!

Podcast main page: www.mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-19/
Guest: Bart Barcewicz
Company: B Suite Cyber Security
October is the national cybersecurity month so this week’s guest is Bart Barcewicz from B Suite Cyber Security. Bart and Doug Hazelman discuss security practices in general as well as some things you need to do to make sure you and your customers are secure. Bart also shares some great advice for starting out: “if you want something you’ve never had, you’re going to have to do something you’ve never done”

Podcast main page: mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-18/
Guest: Alvaro Prieto
Company: Auxis
Alvaro and his business partner Raul started Auxis about 20 years ago. Alvaro brought technical skills and Raul was on the business and finance side. Today Auxis employs more than 400 people in the US and Latin America. Alvaro and I have a great discussion about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and how Auxis has used RPA to accelerate their business. The Auxis blog has some great information on RPA and they also have a report, “Where are with RPA Today” that is available for download.

Guest: Jay Wong
Company: Xyber Solutions
This week’s guest is Jay Wong from Xyber Solutions in Perth Australia. Jay started is “PC shop” with a dream and a credit card and now runs a successful business with projects and customers in multiple countries. Jay shares his passion for technology and how he has grown his business.

Podcast main page: mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-16/
Guest: Brad Proctor
Company: University PC Care
Twitter: @BradProctor
The interview this week is with Brad Proctor from University PC Care in Greenville, NC. Brad talks about his career and also what they had to do to prepare for Hurricane Florence as it headed towards North Carolina. Brad is a big fan of Apple and was instrumental in having University PC Care become an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Brad has some great advice for all MSPs out there!

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-15/
This week’s guest is Steve Taylor from MSPWebinars.While Steve still runs an MSP business, he’s been focusing a lot of his time running MSPWebinars, a great resource for MSPs. Steve doesn’t take “vendor” money for sponsorships, he has a subscription model for MSPs. With the subscription you get access to a lot of great resources and also vendor deals (vendors are required to offer a special deal to appear on MSPWebinars). Steve is offering a special discount for MSP Voice listeners, get $45 off your first year. Just sign up here: www.mspwebinars.com/mspvoice

Podcast main http://mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-14/
Guest: Ben Petersen
Company: Resolve IT
URL: resolveitcomputers.com/
Ben Peterson from Resolve IT decided 8 years ago to move back to his hometown and startup his own MSP Business. During this episode we cover topics such as
building trust with breakfix customers to move them to monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
updating his brand identity
the power of search engine optimization for advertising (SEO)
“pretty good” vs “Exceptional” in getting referrals
And getting started by creating some rules (and sometimes breaking them)

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-13/
Guest: Jack Mortell
Company: stratx IT
URL: https://stratxit.com/
MSP Voice Episode 13 - SALES!
In this episode, we interview Jack Mortell who is EVP of Sales and Partners at stratx IT solutions in New York. Stratx has about 60 employees and focuses about 90% on the healthcare market. With Jack’s background in sales, we dive a bit deep in this episode about the types of salespeople, who makes a good salesperson and how to make sure you can align the MSP owner’s vision and passion to the salesforce.

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-12/
In this episode, Doug interviews Ryan Day from ITR America. ITR is not a MSP company but a seller/supplier of parts for heavy equipment. Ryan had to transition ITR from a disparate IT operation to one that operates like a MSP. Ryan uses many of the same tools any MSP would. We also discuss downtime and how Ryan has set up his infrastructure to minimize downtime and save the company money.

This week we are running a shorter, packed with latest news from Reddit and the rest of Internet, episode
Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Show-notes: https://www.cloudberrylab.com/blog/msp-voice-episode-11-best-of-internet/

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Guest: Kevin Bissinger
Company: Dentek Systems
URL: http://www.mydentek.com/
Dentek Systems, Inc. (DSI) was founded in Richardson, Texas circa 2002 as a turnkey Information Technology and Audio/Video solutions provider. We offer an array of services and support for new and existing small to mid size companies. We specialize primarily in the health care industry.
Kevin tells us about his love of technology from an early age and how they deal with some of the regulations (HIPPA) related to the healthcare industry.
Links from Best of Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/8wc9rv/anyone_stepped_into_the_consumer_market/
https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/8wil10/would_you_be_pissed_off/
https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/8y9ki8/becoming_a_manger/
https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/8ydwhx/anything_law_firm_specific_for_msp/
https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/8xy56x/weve_done_an_mspsurvey_and_heres_what_weve_found/

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Guest: Kenny Grayson, Grayson Data Services
Company URL: http://www.graysonds.com/
Kenny Grayson is the owner of Grayson Data Services in Louisiana. Kenny has a typical managed services business but also does application development for his customers. He doesn’t recommend mixing the two unless you have a firm background in appdev but the combination works well for him.

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Guest: Dean Lewis
Company: Chess ICT
Website: https://chessict.co.uk/
Dean on Twitter: @saintdle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saintdle/
Blog: https://www.educationalcentre.co.uk/
Currently working as a Technical Architect at a UK based VAR, Chess ICT. Focusing on both pre-sales design an post sales implementation, finding himself working most days in the virtualisation field. Also a general geek with a passion for technology as a whole, which has led him to being nominated as a VMware vExpert, Veeam Vanguard and Cisco Champion multiple times. Outside of this, he tries to improve his culinary skills and find that ultimate Indian curry recipe.

Podcast main page: http://mspvoice.com/
Guest: Ross Wimmersberger
Company: 4cIT
Links: http://www.4cit.net/
A project Ross is working on: http://bankgradecertified.com/
Ross Wimmersberger is the owner of 4cIT based in Indianapolis, IN. He’s been in business for several years and is now transitioning to an MSP model. He got his start in banking and moved up the corporate ladder to eventually become CTO. Ross also works with several not-for-profits in his area who share his values.